The botanical pesticide derived from Sophora flavescens for controlling insect pests can also improve growth and development of tomato plants

•Sophora flavescens Ait alkaloids (SFA) improved growth and development of tomato plants.•SFA application increased the height and stem diameter of the tomato seedlings.•SFA had a positive effect on almost all physiological leaf characteristics.•SFA improved the early yield and fruit quality.

Sophora flavescens alkaloids (SFA), a promising botanical pesticide, have been registered and commercialized in China. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of SFA on the growth and development of tomatoes. Tomato seedlings were exposed to SFA at three dosages: 333.0, 166.5 and 111.0 mg L−1. The morphological and physiological responses were recorded after spraying during the vegetative period, and yield and fruit quality after spraying during the reproductive period. SFA treatment increased the height and stem diameter of the seedlings as well as having a positive effect on almost all physiological leaf characteristics. Early yield and fruit quality were also improved. These findings suggest that the application of SFA has a favorable effect on the growth and yield of tomatoes, improving overall quality and antioxidative performance.